Chapter 22
June 18, 2026 at 8:24 AM
The early morning of the day off before the concert was unusually sunny. There were no training sessions or competitions. However, Akin's habit of getting up early woke her up at the crack of dawn. She changed her clothes, freshened up, and went downstairs. The house was silent. There was no one even in the kitchen.
"That's not right. They're not relaxed at all," Akina thought as she climbed the stairs.
"Good morning," she announced as she barged into her brother's room. As expected, he was peacefully asleep and had no plans to wake up anytime soon.
"Get up, you lazybones," she insisted, jumping onto his bed.
Yasuharu reluctantly opened his eyes.
"Aki, you little sadist, it's my day off, let me sleep," he grumbled, turning away from his persistent sister.
"Fuck you, go for a run," she said sternly, pushing him aside, and retreated from the room in time, as a pillow flew after her.
Akina went on to do good and do justice, approaching Haku's room, knocked briefly, and without waiting for an answer, opened the door to his room.
"Wake up, we've been robbed!" She said loudly.
Haku jumped up like a scalded cat and stared at the visitor in amazement.
"How?" he said in bewilderment, but he could tell from the girl's laughter that she was joking. However, his sleepiness was gone.
"Get up, we have great things to do," she said and left. Haku had no choice but to fully wake up and get out of bed.
When she reached Sasuke's room, she knocked firmly and, after receiving no response, opened the door, announcing her presence. She had never been inside Sasuke's room before, and upon entering, she was immediately struck by the impeccable order. There were no scattered or hastily piled items. The desk was adorned with a simple stationery rack and a few books. Everything seemed to be in its place, and there wasn't a speck of dust in sight. The perfectly smoothed, as if ironed, bedspread left the impression that it had not been touched.
"Wow, where could he be at such an early hour," the girl wondered.
"Your Majesty, I'm sorry to bother you. Let me humbly inform you that it is already morning," she mentally rehearsed her fiery speech before knocking on the door of Itachi's room, but the answer this time was silence.
"What's the matter, have they both gone somewhere? If they show up with bruises again, I'll wrap them up like an Egyptian mummy," Akina said angrily.
We haven't known each other for long, but in this short time, you have become an incredibly close and dear person to me.
You are the person with whom I don't need to wear any masks; I can be myself with ease.
How can I express the emotions I feel when I look into your incredible eyes?
Irritably, he crumpled up another scribbled sheet and sent it to the trash. Sasuke entered his room.
"Oh, I see the creative process is in full swing," he remarked, seeing a pile of crumpled paper near a full urn.
"I didn't think it would be so difficult," Itachi replied.
"Have you already figured out how you're going to present the bouquet?" Sasuke asked a reasonable question. Itachi shook his head.
"Tactics and strategy are needed here. I'll distract her, and you'll bring the bouquet to her room, just don't bring it into the house so that no one else sees it," Sasuke advised.
"Are you suggesting that I climb the windows of my own house?" Itachi said incredulously.
"It's easy for someone now," Uchiha Jr. grinned, "and it's better if she doesn't find it right away. It's going to take a little bit of trickery."
As Sasuke descended the stairs, he was surprised to see Haku sitting in the living room with his hair in an intricate hairstyle with many small braids. Itachi's situation was precarious. If she found out about his brother's attraction to her, he would have to wear some kind of braid or ponytail. The thought made Sasuke feel uneasy.
Upon seeing his friend in such a distressed state, Yasuharu unleashed an angry tirade, attacking his sister.
" Aki, how many times can you tease Haku?"
"Oh, come on. He didn't mind," the girl replied.
"I know your 'he didn't mind.' You've worn him out. You didn't think he might not like it," Haru responded sharply.
"He would have said if he didn't like it," the girl argued.
"Please don't fight," Haku said quietly, trying to stop them.
"How long can you let her ride on your back?" Yasuharu asked irritably, sitting in Haku's room and helping him untangle his hair. Haku sighed heavily and looked at his friend guiltily.
"If you told her to go away, she would," Tibo said.
"I can't, she'll be offended," Haku replied.
"But you can walk like an idiot," Yasuharu got angry.
The brunette's long hair curled in a shallow wave after pigtails, and he guiltily trudged into the shower to straighten this mess.
The breakfast was held in a relaxed atmosphere. However, the tension between Yasuharu and Itachi was already clearly felt, and Uchiha decided to talk to the guy anyway. After breakfast, he invited him to go out into the garden.
"What do you want?" Haru asked sharply as they entered the gazebo.
"We've had some disagreements. I think it's time to resolve them," replied Itachi.
"That's your problem. I have nothing to do with it," Tibo dismissed.
"Maybe you're right. I've given you reason to think poorly of me, but it's likely due to the lack of communication and understanding between us," Itachi said.
"Yeah, you clearly didn't want to associate with non-clan members," Haru said sarcastically.
"That was a mistake I want to rectify," Itachi replied.
"And you started by harassing my sister," Yasuharu said, his tone clearly hostile. They were sitting across from each other, and Tiba was glaring at Uchiha with an angry expression.
"I assure you, I had no intention of harming Akina. You just misunderstood me," Itachi once again tried to explain himself.
"Did I misunderstand your harassment of her? If you want to have some fun, find another fool. There will be plenty of applicants. Did your young lady become too few or did you feel like fresh food?" Haru replied sarcastically.
"Shut up," said Itachi quietly, when his patience for listening to the stream of accusations ran out.
"We are, of course, grateful to you for the fact that you graciously allowed us to live in your quarter, but I have no intention of licking your one place and paying with my sister," continued Haru, without changing his tone.
"Shut up!" raised his voice Itachi and met a furious look from Tibo.
"I've already said it once, and I'll repeat it again: if you offend, don't expect mercy," he said, getting up from the bench and heading for the exit of the gazebo, but was rudely stopped by Itachi. The man grabbed him by the shoulder, turning him around to face him, and pinned him against the doorjamb.
"You're so stubborn." I wanted to make peace. You didn't let me say a word. You can't imagine what your sister means to me. I'm ready to sacrifice my life for her," Itachi said with fervor. But the cold gaze of the emerald eyes darkened with anger remained impassive.
"What can I do to make you believe me?" Itachi continued fervently.
"Leave her alone," Haru replied shortly.
"If I could..." Itachi said softly, regretfully.
"I expected something like that. And what happens after you get your way and you get bored with her?" Haru said, removing his hand from his shoulder.
"You don't understand. I'm not demanding anything. Is it a crime to be with her, to take care of her, and to support her?" Uchiha Sr. was speaking.
"And in return..." Haru said, looking at him searchingly.
"Don't overdo it. I only said what I wanted to say. I'm sorry if my behavior has given you bad thoughts, but don't look at me as an enemy. I'm not your enemy or Akina's," he assured the guy.
"That's what happens most of the time," Haru replied and looked away.
"So give me the opportunity to prove otherwise," the Uchiha insisted, feeling that he had finally been able to break through his defenses.
"We'll see," Haru said quietly, calming down, and left the gazebo.
After their return, everyone gathered in the living room to discuss their plans for the day.
"What are your suggestions?" Itachi asked.
"We could go to the fair. There are various events and attractions, and it would be fun," Haku suggested.
"I'm going to the library," Akina interjected.
"Yeah, right, where we go, you go," Yasuharu retorted.
"Why would that be," the girl retorted hotly. She wasn't interested in tagging along with the boys.
"Because I said so," Yasuharu replied in a tone that brooked no argument.
"I agree with Haru. You shouldn't go out alone just yet." "But I can go to the library with you later," Itachi offered. The girl smiled contentedly and looked triumphantly at her older brother.
And so it was decided.
* * *
He was back in an empty room, most likely located underground. "A person's life is determined by what he considers to be true and right. Reality can only be a mirage. But maybe people live in a world of their own illusions. What do you think? And once you considered me a kind and caring brother," he said, and his words echoed off the stone walls. "When it happened, I was still a child and convinced myself that it was all just a nightmare. But now my eyes are not what they used to be. This sharingan is able to see through your genjutsu," the young man standing opposite said confidently, and his black eyes flashed with malice. "So we can finally start fighting in earnest. Couldn't you kill your best friend? And despite that, I came here," he said in a slightly mocking tone. "Here and now, I will fulfill my dream," his rival declared confidently. "Unfortunately, your dream will remain a dream, as you have failed to awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan," he continued to mock. "It doesn't matter what illusion you create with your eyes. My hatred will make my dream a reality," the young man said stubbornly. The sound of steel clashing filled the empty stone room.* * *
Itachi opened his eyes upon hearing a sharp knock on the door. “I’m coming in! Who doesn’t hide...” Her sentence was cut short. The sight that Akin saw froze her in place. On the bed, carefully covered with a blanket, lying with his back to her, Sasuke was peacefully sleeping. “Are we running late somewhere?” Rubbing his eyes sleepily, Itachi inquired as he sat up on the bed. His loose hair covered his bare shoulders. Akina looked from one brother to the other in amazement. Then she left his room, closing the door behind her. "This is just ridiculous..." she thought as she walked downstairs. After she left, Itachi looked at his sleeping brother. "I've forgotten what your hateful gaze looks like," he thought, remembering the details of his strange dream as he looked at his brother. He frowned in his sleep, breathing heavily, and his fists clenched and unclenched convulsively. "What are you dreaming about, Sasuke..." thought Itachi, watching him. Once again, he was dreaming of the battle that he considered to be the greatest mistake of his life. The euphoria of achieving his life's goal and finally achieving what he had been striving for was quickly replaced by a gaping void in his heart. And after he learned from the resurrected Itachi with the forbidden technique that his brother and his entire clan were victims of intrigues in the struggle for power in Konoha, a sea of regret and despair from the loss of the only family member who fell at his hand only because he was blinded by hatred and did not want to get to the bottom of the situation suddenly flooded his soul. And when his body, not bound by the resurrection technique with the deceased master during the last war, crumbled to dust, he also lost a part of his soul. It was as if something had died in him along with him. A mistake. There are mistakes that cannot be undone, and there are losses that cannot be filled with tears or remorse. And his sorrow turned into a searing hatred for the place that had taken away everything he held dear, for Konoha. But as time passed, Sasuke began to realize that no matter how many villages he destroyed or how many people he killed, it would not bring back his warm, affectionate gaze, nor would it make him feel the touch of his fingers on his forehead, which he had resented as a child. It would not bring back Itachi. Revenge does not create; it only destroys. Does time heal? Time does not heal everything. And so he returned to Konoha, carrying the burden of guilt. For regret can be as torturous as a skilled executioner. And day after day, he lived with this torture, until one day, when he was returning from one of his missions, he opened the heavy gates of Konoha and saw him. He was standing near the gatekeepers, talking to Hakashi. Sasuke was stunned, staring at the tall figure in the black cloak with the red clouds. He stood there, staring at the man he thought was dead. At that moment, he thought it was just a figment of his exhausted imagination. But Itachi turned around, sensing his younger brother's gaze. That warm gaze. A gentle smile played on Itachi's lips. "Sasuke," he said. An electric shock went through Uchiha Jr.'s body when he heard the long-forgotten sound of his voice. My vision was rapidly blurred by the moisture that appeared in my eyes. He slowly approached Itachi and took hold of the hem of his black raincoat. He did not disappear, did not crumble to dust, like a figment of his tortured imagination. And then that very poke in the forehead seemed to wake him up. He's right here. Sasuke's face was streaked with wet, winding tears. Had fate finally taken pity on him and granted him a second chance to make amends and atone for his sins? It didn't matter to him whether his brother was a product of forbidden techniques, a shadow clone, or a result of genetic engineering. All that mattered was that he was there for him. Sasuke stepped closer and, burying his face in his brother's shoulder, let the tears that had been building up in his wounded heart flow freely. "My foolish brother," said Itachi quietly, stroking his unruly hair and shoulders that shook with silent sobs. He was his blood, his clan, his family. And now things would be different, and he would cherish and protect his second chance. "It's my turn to protect you, Itachi," he decided then. After an examination, including the use of medical techniques, which Tsunade insisted on, it was confirmed that this was indeed Sasuke's older brother. But the partial amnesia had alerted the slugs' princess. He had absolutely no memory of that battle and how he had managed to survive. In this case, Tsunade did not rule out the influence of the resurrection technique on him. Sasuke sincerely hoped and prayed to all the Gods that his memory would never return. And that battle still haunted him in disturbing dreams, which he would trade for any of the most terrible nightmares. "Sasuke," Itachi touched his sleeping brother's shoulder, and he abruptly sat up in bed, breathing heavily, sleepily looking around, realizing that he was not in his room. "A bad dream?" Itachi asked. Sasuke didn't answer. "I got up early myself, I don't have to go anywhere today," Sasuke said a little sheepishly, running his fingers through his thick hair. "Our tornado has already been here, so we'll have to get up," sighed Itachi, smiling. Sasuke responded with a warm smile. "Sorry, I didn't realize I'd fallen asleep," apologized Sasuke, climbing out of his brother's bed. "Thank you for the conversation," said Itachi. "It's nothing," waved Sasuke and headed for the door. "I love you, brother," said Itachi as Sasuke reached for the doorknob. His words made her pause for a moment, then he left his room. "Am I worthy of this?" Uchiha wondered. After leaving Itachi's room, Akina went downstairs. Haku was already sitting on the couch in the living room, and the kettle was boiling in the kitchen. "Now everything is in its place," she thought with a sense of accomplishment. She approached the boy from behind and wrapped her arms around his neck. His loose raven-black hair with silver highlights smelled of some flowers and herbs. "How much care it must take to look so gorgeous," Akina marveled, admiring its shine. "Are you annoyed that I woke you up?" she inquired. "No. You did the right thing. If you give yourself some slack, it will be difficult to restore the regime later," Haku replied. "If only Onii-chan thought the same way," the girl sighed regretfully. "Haru understands that perfectly well. He's just teasing you," Yuki chuckled. "He's a pest. If only he looked a little like you," she said softly, running her fingers through his heavy hair, feeling its silkiness. The guy smiled sadly. She didn't see the annoyance flicker in his chocolate-colored eyes. "Let me help you with your hair," she suddenly offered, and a greedy gleam appeared in her eyes. "No," he replied, turning as pale as a sheet. Haku knew perfectly well that every time those words started a disaster for his hair. She loved playing with their heavy locks and experimenting with different hairstyles. Only then, almost crying, he would unravel her creations. "Please," the natural disaster persisted. "No," Haku replied as firmly as he could, retreating to the kitchen to remove the kettle from the fire and make tea, but it was not enough to save him. "Haku, do you love me?" asked the girl, looking at him with a cute expression, actively blinking her eyelashes. The question took the guy by surprise. Goosebumps ran down his back, and a sweet languor spread throughout his body. Haku felt his face blush. He looked at her, and the inviting shine in his eyes betrayed his warm feelings. " I do," quietly admitted Yuki, hiding his eyes. "Great. I saw a hairstyle in a magazine...” she began, unabashed. The guy turned pale, realizing that he had been caught off guard. “You... You did it on purpose... It’s not fair,” Haku said, genuinely offended. “But it’s royal. Here or in my room?” Akina clarified. “How much more can you mock me?” By the way, I'm a living person, and you treat me like a pet," Yuki defended himself as best he could, trying to appeal to her conscience. "Come on, you're so good, and you're going to be beautiful," the girl insisted. In all likelihood, her conscience was sleeping the sleep of the righteous in this regard. " A-ki-na!!!" There was a growl in the guy's voice. Haru, who was sitting on the couch in the living room, could hear their playful banter. He knew that no matter how much Haku resisted, he would eventually give in and walk around the house with an elaborate hairstyle. Although he could have disciplined his sister, he didn't feel the urge to do so. However, Akina's desire for long hair reminded him to visit the hairdresser on time and resist her constant requests to let her hair grow. Despite the early wake-up call, Itachi found something to occupy himself with. He hurried along Konoha, meeting rare passers-by. Soon, he opened the door of the Yamanaka flower shop. A bell tinkled, welcoming the visitor. "Good morning, how can I help you?" Ino greeted him, trying to hide her surprise. "Morning, I need a bouquet," Itachi said. "A man or a woman?" the girl asked. "A girl," Itachi replied. "What kind of flowers?" Ino continued. "Is there a difference?" Uchiha asked calmly. "Yes, it is! The type of flowers you choose to give can say a lot about the giver's feelings towards the recipient. For example, asters are a symbol of romantic love, elegance, and memories. If you want to express "I remember the wonderful moments we shared," choose asters. If you want to emphasize your appreciation for their friendship, opt for irises. If you're unsure about your feelings and want to convey "It was great having you around, but I can't promise anything," consider giving dahlias. Calla lilies are a symbol of admiration for one's chosen one. Roses are a symbol of purity, charm, and, of course, love. Lilies are given when one wants to be noticed by their chosen one as a symbol of flirting," said Yamanaka with the air of a seasoned florist. "Roses," replied Itachi, who realized that he was in for a long lecture on floristry. "What color?" continued Ino. "Does it matter?" The guy was surprised to realize that the girl was driven not so much by a desire to please the client, but by a simple female curiosity. She looked at him as if he were an unforgivable ignoramus. "Of course it does. White roses are a symbol of chastity, love, and loyalty. Pink roses signify a budding love. Yellow roses represent friendship and respect." Well, if you want to express your love, then choose red ones, but if it's not just love, but also an all—consuming passion, the bouquet should be made of bard roses," Ino explained with an air of a connoisseur. "Bards," Itachi replied. The girl's face involuntarily flushed when she heard this. "How many roses are in the bouquet?" Yamanaka continued her interrogation. The slight confusion in his gaze was more eloquent than any words. The girl sighed heavily and continued her lecture. "If there are seven flowers in the bouquet, it means that you're crazy about her; if there are nine, it means 'I want to be with you forever.' A bouquet of eleven roses tells her that she's priceless to you and that you want her all to yourself, while twenty-three flowers indicate that you belong to her. A bouquet of twenty-nine roses is given only to the most beloved girls, signifying that you love her above all else," she explained. Itachi thought. “Twenty-three,” he made his choice. “With or without a card,” Ino asked the next question, blushing to the tips of her ears. “With a card,” Itachi replied without hesitation. The girl chose a few cards in red and maroon tones and placed them on the counter in front of the guy. He chose a card with flowers and hearts. “You can take it. Fill it out and bring it when you come for the order. It will arrive tonight or tomorrow morning," the girl said, placing the order. "Preferably today," Itachi said. "Then come back after closing," the girl replied. "Okay," Itachi said, said goodbye, and left. "Lucky Ayumi," Ino sighed dreamily as Itachi left the store. Sitting in his room, Uchiha Sr. was writing a paper. "What would you write to your girlfriend if you wanted to confess your feelings to her?" his subconscious taunted him, recalling Akina's words during their first mission.
